How to deal with prying neighbors

Vector cartoon illustration of a businessman in marketing looking through binoculars

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Help! My neighbors are so nosy they drive me crazy. Does feng shui have any advice when it comes to neighbor challenges?

When it comes to neighbors and their actions, frustration is the norm, because sometimes we are unable to control everything.

Other than asking them nicely to “mind their own business,” there’s not too much we can do if they choose not to heed our requests.

Although no magical solutions exist, there are, from a feng shui perspective, a few things you can do to energetically support yourself.

Use the power of reflection. In traditional feng shui, a bagua mirror is used to deflect the energy in the direction at which it is aimed. You can use the concept of this traditional cure by putting decorative mirrors on the walls that separate you from your neighbors. Any type or size mirror can be used with the intention to “keep your energy in your house private.”

Focus on your windows and walls. If the windows on each side of your home look out to the problematic neighbors, get some new, more private window treatments or apply a frosted film on the bottom half of windows to create privacy, yet still let the light in.

Along the walls between you and your neighbors, you also can place art that has images of strength, boldness or boundaries to further set the intent of privacy.

Understanding nosy neighbors. Moving away from feng shui, the hard thing about nosy neighbors is how to communicate with them. They may not be breaking any laws, yet still are making it tough for you. You may feel you have to hide or are being listened to or watched all the time. Nosy neighbors come in many different types, and most of the time they are annoying, but mean no harm.

Countering nosy neighbors. Unfortunately, you cannot control your nosy neighbors, but you can control your own actions. Acknowledge your neighbors when they are looking your way and then go about your normal activity. If they have nothing to do but watch you all day, it’s their time that they are wasting.

Being Friendly.

Another way to handle nosy neighbors is to just be friendly. That might be enough to satisfy their need for attention. Ideally, we all would like to have neighbors that we love, but when that’s not possible, place your focus on things over which you do have control. Besides moving, it’s the only way to save your sanity!

Do you have a question for Alice? If so, send it to alice@ yourhappinessu.com. Visit YourHappinessU.com.